Sachin Khona isn't merely a wedding photographer; he is a guiding light, imparting not only technical and business expertise but also invaluable life lessons that resonate with those fortunate enough to cross his path. Whether capturing heartfelt moments or through his leadership in building communities like ARC, Sachin's influence radiates far beyond the frame, shaping the very fabric of the wedding photography world.
Beyond his skills in photography, Sachin's essence as a human being is magnetic. His genuine and approachable nature fosters an immediate desire for friendship. If you've ever tuned into an episode of his Podcast you’ll agree that he radiates authenticity and thoughtfulness but — as he admits, jokingly —his English accent might deserve some of the credit for that charm.
Join us for an inside look into the career of Vancouver Wedding Photographer Sachin Khona, a mentor with profound insights into business, human relationships, mindfulness, and the art of being a good person.
An Introduction to Photography
Sachin was introduced to photography by his uncles when he was a teenager. He began as a street photographer, capturing his everyday environment on film and quickly began to develop a talent for seeing light in a way the average person does not.
He got the opportunity to travel the globe in his early 20s and it was on this journey he began to build the foundation of a talented travel and street photographer, a style that is still so prevalent in his wedding photography today.
While attending a friend’s wedding he began photographing the day from his unique perspective. Sachin decided he would gift the couple with an album of the photos he took and when he saw how much they meant to the couple he began to consider that wedding photography could be his new calling.
From Streets to Weddings
Inspired by wedding photographers like Erik Clausen, Sachin delved into the world of wedding photography. Learning through hands-on experiences, he assisted and second-shot for seasoned professionals, adopting their techniques while cultivating his own unique style. Rooted in street and travel photography, Sachin's work is a testament to his ability to capture authentic moments of joy, reflecting real love, genuine emotions, and unspoken connections within couples and their families.
In 2011, Sachin transitioned from the bustling streets of London, England, to Vancouver, Canada making the career shift from overworked accountant to renowned wedding photographer, documenting over 200 weddings not only in BC but also leaving his creative imprint on destinations like Kenya, London, Italy, Greece, India, and beyond.
ARC: Building a Community of Photographers
In 2014, Sachin took his passion for photography beyond individual assignments, creating ARC—a community for photographers. Online interviews and conversations culminated in "The Experience," a conference in Vancouver that has seen four successful editions with over 400 photographers in attendance. The success of ARC led to the establishment of ARC Masterminds in 2020, where Sachin provides motivation, support, insights, accountability, and tools to empower small business owners on their journey to growth. His podcast, The Arc Creative Podcast, is a goldmine of wisdom featuring industry legends, showcases Sachin's commitment to the growth of the photography community.
Sachin seemed to be destined to create a community like ARC. In his younger years he organized social events centred around music. He threw parties and organized local hip-hop nights. Sachin is a harmonizer, bringing photographers together in shared experiences through ARC.
A Multifaceted Career
Sachin's career as a wedding photographer has taken him around the globe, capturing diverse weddings in incredible locations. Today, he tends to shoot closer to home, limiting the number of weddings to 15-20 per year while also being the driving force behind ARC.
Well-acquainted with the burnout effect associated with wedding photography, Sachin advocates for a proper work-life balance. He carefully manages his calendar, demonstrating extreme discipline with his goal planning. Daily routines of journaling and mindfulness meditation are crucial to keeping his creativity flowing.
Armed with a positive attitude, undeniable skill, and probably a roll of 35mm film, Sachin looks to the future. He currently offers a new program to accelerate wedding photography careers, eagerly awaiting the announcement of the next ARC conference. Sachin Khona stands not only as an exceptional photographer but a leader and mentor, enriching the wedding photography community and paving the way for future creatives.
Visit Sachin's website to see more of his incredible work sachinkhona.com
To learn more about ARC visit thisisarc.co
Written by Canadian Wedding Photographers founder Joel Boily